Meet Jade
Aged 6, Kenya
Jade and her older sister currently live with their grandmother, while their mother searches for a place to settle and work. Her sister is in high school, but whenever she is at home she helps to look after Jade. Jade's mother has some temporary employment as a nanny to a young girl, but the pay is not sufficient to cater for their needs and she keeps looking for alternative work.
Jade's grandmother has planted flowers around her house and she says that in her old age, it is the thing along with her grandchildren that gives her a reason to smile. She says that her land is too small to keep cows, but she would love to own one so that she can have her own source of milk.
Jade is softly spoken and a bit shy, although her mother says that she can be a story teller when she wants to. She plays with the child next door. When we asked her what she wants to be when she grows up, she smiled and just said that she wants to come to school and make new friends.
Where Jade lives
The Open Arms Village was founded in 2006 to meet the immediate needs of orphaned and abandoned children in western Kenya who were suffering from a wide variety of life-threatening diseases. After the 2008 political violence left thousands of children orphaned, abandoned and homeless, the project grew to support more children. Today, the Open Arms Village is now home to over 150 children with 10 purpose-built family homes and the Open Arm Academy is educating children and giving them a hopeful future.
Why Stand by Me?
What you receive
When you sponsor Jade you will receive a pack in the post with her story and photo. Every year you will receive an update about her progress, a new photo and at least one communication from her.
Real relationship
We know our kids love to receive your emails and write back so we encourage you to write as many emails as you like, along with photos and birthday gifts to develop a genuine relationship.
Not sure yet?
Ask us anything. We’ve helped sponsors change 1000s of kids’ lives, and we know it can be a big decision. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
